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Posted on: December 5, 2018

Three Men and a Lady Recognized by Local SAR Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Plano Chapter #37 paid tribute to a number of Team Plano first responders. SAR members John Ray (president) and Dan Reed (V.P. of awards and medals) presented Public Service Awards to four outstanding employees during a recent City Council meeting:

Sgt. Kanvin Raven, Peace Officer of the Year

Police Chief Greg Rushin explained a committee solicits nominations in a number of categories with Peace Officer of the Year being the highest honor. He shared some of the reasons Kanvin is the right choice for this award:

He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas.

Kanvin is a 20-year veteran with the department who’s worked in many divisions – from patrol to Internal Affairs.

While working in the Neighborhood Police Officer Unit, he earned the title of “the problem-solver.”

Kanvin is also an instructor teaching courses internally and across the country.

He passed the latest sergeant’s test and was promoted two months ago.

Chief Rushin added, “Kanvin serves the citizens as a professional and compassionate police officer. He not only maintains the community’s trust but reinforces the legitimacy of the police.

Sgt. Ravin said, “This was a calling for me. I’ve been successful in my career, but it’s because of the people…those inside and outside of the department. I brag all over the country about our police and fire department and about the people we serve.”

Anthony DiMarco, Firefighter of the Year

Fire Chief Sam Greif was clearly pleased with his peer committee’s selecting Anthony for this award. As it turns out, he was the department’s Paramedic of the Year in 2017. Here are some details listed in his nomination form:

He is a member of Texas Task Force 1, an elite group of first responders from across the state who are called upon to assist during national disasters. In fact, he’s on the Task Force Helo-Team, the folks who jump out of helicopters into dangerous situations.

He’s the search and rescue guy who is a rescue swimmer, picks up people off roofs and hoists them to safety. Anthony is one of the most humble men I know.

Chief Greif added, “It says something about the person who earns the departments highest honors two years in a row. Anthony does Plano proud every day – whether he’s wearing the Plano Fire-Rescue uniform or the Texas Task Force 1 uniform. Plus, he’s one of the most humble men I know.”

Anthony said, “This is a very big honor for me because I just try to do the best I can with the great support I have from the department.”

Chance Roberts, Paramedic of the Year

Again, Chief Greif got to brag on one of his own:

Chance is a 4-year veteran of Plano Fire-Rescue.

We have a lot of paramedics on the team, so to be chosen for this honor is tremendous.

Chance is a “preceptor,” which means he was hand-selected by our medical director, Dr. Gamber, to train the new paramedics and ensure their skill level is on track to work solo.

He has a “lunch box” mentality…shows up every day and does what needs to be done.

“He takes pride in mentoring the new paramedics. If you’re having a medical emergency, Chance is the guy you want to see standing over you,” said the Chief.

Chance spoke to the audience, “Plano is exactly what I was looking for when I came here four years ago. This is an amazing department that functions at a high-level of EMS care. I appreciate this recognition.”

Chonia Williams, PSC Communications Specialist of the Year

A beaming Susan Carr, director of public safety communications, was joined by Michelle Haggerty (PSC administrative office manager) and Dana Mays (PSC operations manager) to acknowledge the outstanding work of one of their own:

Chonia has nearly eight years with Plano; starting as a 9-1-1 call-taker and a police/fire dispatcher.

She plans small department events to boost the morale of co-workers.

The new hires appreciate being mentored by someone who cares about the job…a real team player. Her knowledge and inter-personal skills are invaluable.

She was recently promoted to a shift-lead position, the person-in-charge if the supervisor is away.

Chonia thanked the citizens and the SAR for the award, adding, “We don’t often receive recognition from the community, but when we do…it’s exciting!”

Each award recipient received a certificate and medal from the Sons of the American Revolution Plano Chapter along with the gratitude of City Council.